Krishnananda Saraswati
Krishnananda Saraswati
Full Name and Common Aliases
Krishnananda Saraswati was a renowned Indian spiritual leader, philosopher, and writer. Born as Keshavdas Dwivedi, he is commonly known by his monastic name, Swami Krishnananda.
Birth and Death Dates
Swami Krishnananda was born on October 13, 1907, in the city of Almora, located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. He passed away on February 23, 2001, at the age of 93.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Krishnananda Saraswati was an Indian national by birth. His profession was that of a spiritual leader, philosopher, writer, and yoga teacher.
Early Life and Background
Born into a family of Sanskrit scholars, Krishnananda's early life was deeply influenced by the rich cultural heritage of India. He was raised in a traditional Brahmin household where he received a classical education in Hindu scriptures, philosophy, and literature. His spiritual journey began at an early age when he met his guru, Swami Sivananda Saraswati, who would later become his mentor and guide.
Major Accomplishments
Swami Krishnananda was a multifaceted personality who excelled in various fields. He:
Was the founder of the Divine Life Society, a spiritual organization dedicated to promoting yoga, meditation, and self-realization.
Played a significant role in organizing the 1965 World Parliament of Religions in New Delhi, India.
Wrote over 100 books on spirituality, philosophy, and yoga, which have been widely acclaimed for their depth and insight.Notable Works or Actions
Krishnananda Saraswati's notable works include:
"The Divine Life," a comprehensive guide to spiritual living
"The Science of Yoga," an in-depth exploration of the principles and practices of yoga
"The Philosophy of Karma and Reincarnation," a thought-provoking analysis of these fundamental concepts in Hinduism.
Impact and Legacy
Krishnananda Saraswati's impact on modern spirituality is immeasurable. His writings have inspired countless individuals around the world to adopt a more contemplative and compassionate lifestyle. Through his teachings, he has helped people from diverse backgrounds to understand the universal principles of yoga and its application in daily life.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Krishnananda Saraswati is widely quoted and remembered for his profound insights into the human condition. His writings are characterized by their:
Brevity and clarity, making them accessible to readers from all walks of life
Depth and insight, offering a unique perspective on complex spiritual concepts
* Timelessness, continuing to inspire and guide people today, decades after his passing.
Swami Krishnananda Saraswati's legacy serves as a testament to the transformative power of spirituality. His message of love, compassion, and self-realization continues to resonate with individuals seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Quotes by Krishnananda Saraswati

Every objet in the world promises satisfaction, but it never gives satisfaction -it only promises.

Just as, when we touch a live wire, the electric force infuses itself into our body, when we deeply meditate on God the power of the whole universe seeks entry into our personality.

Physically you are identical with and inseparable from the cosmic material substance, and socially you are inseparable from the large mass of humanity.

We are in conflict with the world; otherwise, there would be no necessity to put forth tremendous effort to meet the world and its demands.

We always imagine that the Supreme Being is very far away -many, many millions of light years away- yet It is very near, in our throat itself.

Saints and sages are still alive. Great masters are still operating. It is up to you to find where they are.

Do not make the mistake of thinking that the soul is inside you, because if the soul is inside you, you will be outside it.

The soul’s illness is more terrible and more difficult to understand than the illness of the body or any other type of malady.

Yoga is anything which reveals or reflects the wholeness that we truly are, and the world is anything that makes us feel that we are fragmented, dissected, cut into pieces and out of tune with ourselves.
